It’s that time of year again! RNLI lifeguards returning to Devon beaches

RNLI figures reveal that in 2022, RNLI lifeguards in Devon saved eight lives, dealt with 1,803 incidents and assisted 2,180 people.

The RNLI works in partnership with councils and private beach owners each year to set up and roll out a lifeguard service at their request. Setting up a lifeguard service each season involves several different elements including recruiting, training lifeguards and organising the logistics to deliver equipment and in some cases lifeguard units to each beach.

For the two week school Easter holidays (Saturday 1 April to Sunday 16 April) the following beaches will have lifeguard cover; Croyde and Woolacombe on the north coast, and Bantham and Exmouth on the south coast. Patrols on the other beaches will return daily for the summer on Saturday 29 April.

Tim Fallowfield, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor in the south west, said:

‘The RNLI has been working closely with councils and local communities to ensure the beaches and lifeguard units are ready and equipped, and that lifeguard training has been performed seamlessly.

‘Pre-season preparations are in full swing and the charity’s lifeguards are eager to return to the beaches and do what they do best - offering preventative safety advice to visitors and rescuing those in difficulty in the water or on the beach itself.

‘We'd highly recommend people to head to one of our RNLI lifeguarded beaches in Devon this Easter and speak to the lifeguards to find out the local beach risks, tides and weather conditions. Good weather would be most welcome, however it’s important to remember that the water is usually at its coldest at this time of the year which increases the risk of cold water shock. Additionally, the winter weather at your local beach might have altered the landscape and terrain, so it's essential to familiarise yourself with any new hazards such as rips or exposed rocks.

‘Be prepared for whatever water activity you have planned, and always have a means of calling for help. We wish everyone a safe and happy Easter.’

Devon Councils and private beach owners invest each year in keeping their beach visitors safe by contributing to RNLI costs, which helps to meet lifeguard wages, while the extensive training and equipment needed is provided by the charity through public donations.

Managing director at Woolacombe’s Parkin Estates LTD, Sue Black said:

‘I look forward to the RNLI lifeguards returning to our beach. They are so professional, and they mean that I can sleep at night!’

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:

· Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

· Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

· Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.

· If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.

· In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Notes to editors

Interview opportunities are available. Please contact Emily or Emma below to confirm your attendance, or requirements.

Season dates will vary from Easter onwards and so people should visit the RNLI website for the most up to date information on when their chosen beach will be lifeguarded. RNLI lifeguards will be on 4 beaches in Devon from Saturday 1 April to Sunday 24 April. These are: Croyde, Woolacombe, Bantham, Exmouth.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Emily Bray, RNLI Media Engagement Placement (South West) on 07929 673281 or [email protected]. or Emma Haines, Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.